Chapter 9 Part 2

The weekend was spent relaxing and cuddling up with Shane as much as possible…reason to come.

The first Monday of October was National Foundation Day of Korea so no school.  Tuesday arrived and I cried…Shane was leaving for the states…a speed bump that would leave us with 5 months apart.  I taught my first two classes and then they let me go to the airport with him.   

Then came time for goodbyes—first to Honey who looked so sad in her cage.  Then to Shane…such a warm embrace while the knot in my throat continued to form as I held back the tears.  Off he went.  I waited a short while to make sure they loaded Honey (she was still waiting at the check-in counter). Then off I went back to Suwon. I climbed aboard the bus and started crying.  I’d cry on and off the whole trip home.  I got home and saw my note he left me and the tears really started flowing down.  Everything would be ok. It was best for our future because he went back to get everything ready for when I got back so it’d be an easier transition. We were able to Skype everyday but there’s really not a substitution for having someone by your side.  It’d be different if we had a difficult relationship then it’d be much more of a celebration for time apart.  I’m glad we have such a strong relationship.

Chapter 9 Part 1

Back in Korea, we had to get back into the routine of everyday life.  It was already the beginning of August. Time had been passing so quickly.  Work was getting crazier and more demanding…just lots of pointless ‘busy work’ really but gotta do it.  Life went on with the same routine—go to work, go home, gym, eat dinner, go to bed, repeat—all leading to the end of September.  The weather was wonderful…no more rain!  The coolness and breeze in the air is so refreshing and much needed.  I love this kind of weather—not hot, not cold, just right.  Life was simple…well if you exclude the craziness of teaching and the communication barriers we faced on a daily basis…then yes simple. 

I was faced with lots of frustration at this point.  The simplest things (some of which were already covered plenty of times) was difficult for the student's to grasp.  This may sound mean in saying this but it is the absolute truth…these kids have their moments of just turning stupid the whole week (not just a little stupid…completely, all the way dumb). 

 

Anywho…Friday, September 30 was my birthday and what made it even better was that I had a 3 day weekend!  I turned 23 (can you believe it?)! I brought my kindergarten kids treats for being the most well behaved I think they had ever been.  They were very appreciative and I decided that’s bribery that works!  When ready to head home, the teachers gave me a cake and sang to me.  I even got 50,000 won from the owner’s of the school. Afterwards, Shane, Shannon, and I headed to Pontus—a nice seafood buffet—where we enjoyed a lovely dinner.  And I finally got my ring…unfortunately it was too big so I had to send it back for a different size.